In Acts 13, we witness a powerful rhythm of gospel movement through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. Their journey into Asia Minor was marked by intentionality and purpose, leaving familiar comforts behind to bring the light of Christ to challenging places. As they ventured into synagogues, they modeled humility by listening before speaking, earning the trust and attention of their audience. Despite facing opposition and rejection, their boldness was anchored in the victory of the gospel, not personal confidence. This same gospel frees us from the fear of rejection, reminding us that outcomes are in God's hands. Paul and Barnabas' journey encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, listen deeply, speak boldly, and trust God with the results. As we carry this message into our own communities, let’s embrace the rhythms of gospel movement—outward, listening, boldness, and trust—allowing the Spirit to guide our steps and open hearts. Where is the Spirit sending you today? Let the gospel move you forward with courage and compassion.  Read More

The church at Antioch didn’t grow by strategy but by surrender. When God’s people worshiped, fasted, and obeyed the Spirit’s call, the light of Christ broke through darkness and transformed lives. The same Spirit still sends us today—if we’ll stop debating where the light should shine and start shining it.  Read More

When we think of biblical miracles, our minds often drift to the spectacular and beautiful—manna from heaven, water turned to wine, or the parting of the Red Sea. These are what we might call "sweet-smelling miracles." But what about the story of a man swallowed by a great fish and later vomited onto a beach? That doesn't exactly conjure images of sweetness, does it?Yet hidden within the belly of ...  Read More

Following Jesus in Antioch did not begin with strategy or comfort. It began with ordinary believers who carried the gospel beyond familiar boundaries and loved people who were different from them. Their faith was active, not passive. They crossed the street, opened their mouths, and welcomed others into the family of God. The watching world saw their unity and generosity and gave them a new name: Christians, because it was clear who they belonged to.  Read More

In exploring Acts 11, we witness a pivotal moment where the early church learns a profound lesson: the gospel is for everyone. Peter's encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile, unveils a divine truth—God's love knows no boundaries, and His grace extends beyond traditional confines. As believers, we are challenged to say "yes" when God opens doors, even when it defies our traditions or comfort zones. The church is called to embrace diversity, extending grace and hospitality to those with different backgrounds, messy pasts, and even differing viewpoints. Our mission reflects a shared conviction that grace has leveled the ground at the cross, inviting all to stand on it equally. Let's ask ourselves, are we cooperating with God's mission, or are we standing in the way? By stepping out in faith, extending forgiveness, and adapting our methods while preserving the unchanging message of the gospel, we can be a beacon of hope. At First Baptist Church Byram, are we ready to say "yes" to God’s plan, just as the early church did? The impact could be transformative, not just for our community, but for the world. Let's unite in this mission, embracing the unexpected places and people God brings into our lives.  Read More

Acts 10 reminds us that God’s heart is bigger than our boundaries. Peter’s vision wasn’t about food, it was about people, showing that no one is beyond God’s reach. Like Peter, we’re being prepared: sometimes in quiet faithfulness, sometimes through a change in our thinking, and sometimes through bold obedience. The gospel of Jesus tears down barriers and invites everyone into God’s family by grace, not tradition.  Read More

Marriage is designed by God to reflect Christ’s love for the church, calling husbands to lead through sacrificial service, not domination. True love requires daily submission to God, the help of the Holy Spirit, and valuing your wife as a precious gift. When husbands love like Christ, marriages become powerful testimonies of God’s grace to the world.  Read More

In Wayne's recent sermon, "God's Way is Always Best," we explored Psalm 37, emphasizing the three R's: Relinquishment, Reliance, and Rewards. Relinquishment calls us to abandon worldly distractions and commit our lives entirely to God's path. Reliance reminds us to trust in Christ for strength, as He never fails while worldly structures might. The Rewards of faithfulness manifest both in daily blessings and the eternal promise of life with Him. Ultimately, by embracing these principles, we align ourselves with God's superior plan and experience the profound love He has for each of us. Remember, God's way is always best, and in His love, we find our true purpose.  Read More

In a world that often glorifies grand gestures and monumental achievements, it's easy to overlook the profound impact of small, seemingly insignificant actions. Yet, history and scripture alike remind us that even the tiniest spark can ignite a blazing fire of change. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Peter's journey through Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa, as recounted in Acts 9:32-4...  Read More

Have you ever wondered if God could really use someone with a messy past—or if you yourself truly belonged among His people? In Acts 9:26–31, we meet Saul, once the church’s greatest threat, now seeking fellowship with the very disciples he tried to destroy. Fear and hesitation fill the room, until Barnabas steps forward with courage and encouragement. His welcome opens the door for Saul’s ministry and shows us what can happen when the church chooses to see others through the lens of Christ’s transforming power. This story calls us to be “Barnabas-like” believers who welcome outsiders, stand with the vulnerable, and encourage growth in others.  Read More

Imagine making a New Year's resolution, full of hope and intention, yet as time slips away, the motivation dwindles and the goal seems out of reach. This is the very trap that Israel fell into in Hosea chapters 12 and 13. They thought the day of reckoning was too distant to worry about. But Hosea warned them: judgment isn't a distant event; it's closer than you think. Just like my failed attempts for a summer-ready body, Israel believed they had plenty of time to repent, yet the alarm clock of God's judgment was set, and the time was imminently approaching. Ultimately, their diplomatic maneuvers to avoid God's judgment were futile. They, like many today, relied on worldly wisdom instead of divine guidance. Yet amid judgment, Hosea provides a glimmer of hope: a promise of resurrection and restoration through repentance and faith in God, a message echoed by Paul in 1 Corinthians as he speaks of victory through Jesus Christ. Let us heed the call to hold fast to love and justice, to return to the Lord before time runs out.  Read More

Can a person really change? Saul’s story in Acts 9 answers with a resounding yes. Once a fierce enemy of the church, Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and was radically transformed into one of the faith’s greatest champions. His journey reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and even our weakest moments can become the doorway to powerful ministry. If God could take the church’s greatest persecutor and make him its boldest preacher, imagine what He can do in your life.  Read More